5/10/2010 8:06 PM ET
(RTTNews) - A new weight loss drug called Qnexa may not only help control hunger but could also lower blood pressure, according to a presentation given recently at the American Society of Hypertension's annual meeting.
According to researcher Suzanne Oparil, MD of the University of Alabama Birmingham, the two main components of the drug are an appetite suppressant called phentermine and a blood pressure controller called topiramate.
"When the hunger comes back, the topiramate kicks in," Oparil told WebMD. "It was safe and efficacious across a broad patient population -- some who were very obese and some who were less obese, but had metabolic syndrome or high blood pressure."
Patients using the drug in the trial reported side effects including altered taste, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, and headache, all of which were expected by Oparil.
The new medication is expected to see FDA review this summer.
by RTT Staff Writer
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